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Published on 26 August 2024

Map reading made easy

In the series «Map reading made easy», discover the most important signs, symbols and tips for getting the most out of maps and making use of them in your adventures. Familiarise yourself with the legends of the National Maps and become an expert in navigation.

Extract from the national map of the region Küssnacht am Rigi with lake, mountains, roads

  • The cover shows how a national map is oriented in the field

    13 December 2024

    Map accessories

    Useful aids that make map reading easy. The leaflets «Conventional signs» and «Map reading» offer interesting facts for national map users and lessons.

  • View from a ski lift in summer

    14 February 2025

    Cableway or on foot – the right way into the mountains

    Are you planning a hike into the mountains? Whether you’re planning a relaxed tour on a hiking trail, a more challenging hike on a mountain trail or, for the really brave with appropriate equipment, even an alpine trail or via ferrata – there’s something for everyone. Using the cableways, you can comfortably conquer the metres in altitude and save your strength for the various adventures that lie ahead of you. Find out how you can best plan the right tour for you.

  • The cover shows how a national map is oriented in the field

    3 December 2024

    Never get lost again with the correct map orientation

    You’ve obtained a national map and are ready for your next outdoor adventure. But how do you hold the map correctly to best get your bearings in terrain? In this article, we show you how to align your map perfectly, so that you always know which way to go.

  • In beautiful weather, two hikers take a break on the Kaiseregg and look out over the mountain landscape towards the Alps. In the background, a cloudless, blue sky.

    5 November 2024

    Contour lines: The enigma of terrain profiles

    In this article, learn how to read contour lines, to calculate differences in altitude and to recognise mountains, valley and hills. Just imagine that you are in the midst of the mountains, surrounded by breathtaking nature. You are holding a hiking map and want to continue to the next mountain tavern. You can discern the plotted route to the mountain tavern on the map, but you can’t see it from your location.

  • Hilly landscape in the foreground, a hiker stands on a rock ledge and looks into the distance over the mountain landscape

    27 September 2024

    How much time should I allow for my route?

    Even experienced hikers are familiar with this issue: you've planned a hike and estimated the route and terrain, but time passes more quickly than you had anticipated. Good time management is vital when hiking in order not to miss the last train or get back after night has fallen.

  • Landscape in the Melchsee-Frutt Alps with natural path, blue sky with isolated white clouds

    5 September 2024

    The difference between roads and tracks

    On national maps you'll find various types of tracks – and they are not all suitable for all kinds of tour. Become a orientation pro and read our first post to find out how to identify and distinguish between roads and tracks on a map to select the best route for your hike.

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Division Cartography
Seftigenstrasse 264
3084 Wabern